Why Bend, Oregon Should Be On Your Radar
What You’ll Find in Bend, Oregon (Besides Epic Mountain Views & Award Winning Beer)
I don’t write much about my life before New York, but growing up in Oregon played a huge role in the type of person I became. I used to spend most of my weekends hiking around the state, and thankfully, the Pacific Northwest has no shortage of incredible places to explore.
Like most Portlanders, I’ve visited Bend many times over the years. From weeklong trips and quick stops en route to somewhere else, this high-desert town was on constant rotation in my arsenal. But it wasn’t until two summers ago, when we spent a full month there, that I really fell in love with the place (enough to pull up the Zillow app, gasp!). But can you blame me? Bend is the perfect place for anyone craving a blend of nature, creativity, and comfort.
It’s one of those places that manages to be both laid-back and lively. Surrounded by mountain peaks and pine forests, it has the kind of scenery that can make anyone do a double take. The town is also full of great food, walkable neighborhoods, and a cultural scene that punches above its weight. If you’ve never thought about visiting, here’s why you might want to reconsider.